Security Devices and CCTV

If your property is equipped with security cameras (CCTV) or recording devices, it's essential to comply with legal requirements and platform-specific guidelines. Following these regulations promotes transparency, protects guest privacy, and helps you stay compliant with the law.

Where Can Security Devices Be Installed?

You must disclose the presence of any CCTV or recording devices in the following areas:

• Non-private areas: entryways, parking areas, or access roads leading to the property.
• Common areas: places shared by other guests or the public, like lobbies, stairways, elevators, or laundry facilities.
• Exclusively rented areas: areas that only guests have access to, such as private gardens or pools. These spaces also fall under this rule.

You must clearly indicate in your property description how many security cameras there are and where they or recording devices are located in or around your property. This applies even if the devices are not actively recording or are turned off (for example, outside near the doorbell). Concealing security cameras or recording devices is strictly forbidden.

Important: During guests' stays, all security devices must remain turned off. This information should always be included in your property description.

Platform-Specific Guidelines

Booking.com

Booking.com does not allow CCTV in areas exclusively rented by guests, even if the devices are turned off during their stay. If you want to keep your listing on Booking.com, we recommend removing any CCTV in these areas.

If it cannot be removed, you must indicate in the "Safety" section under "Amenities" in Configuration that CCTV is present in these areas, and specify the exact locations in the description. Note that if you include CCTV in your property configuration, it will not automatically appear in your listing description—you'll need to update the description yourself.

For more information: Booking.com Requirements on CCTV

Airbnb

As of April 30, 2024, Airbnb updated its policy regarding security cameras, recording devices, noise monitors, and smart devices:

• No security cameras or recording devices are allowed in any part of the interior (even if turned off or disconnected) or common areas.
• Exterior areas with high privacy expectations (like enclosed outdoor showers or saunas) cannot have cameras.
• Noise decibel monitors are allowed indoors but must be disclosed, and cannot be placed in bedrooms, bathrooms, or sleeping areas.

Hosts who don't comply may have their listings removed.

For more details: Airbnb Security Device Policy

Other Platforms

Other channels like Vrbo allow CCTV in areas exclusively rented by guests, but it must be turned off during their stay. Always demonstrate the devices to your guests at check-in and inform them that the devices are turned off.

Important General Information

If you include CCTV in your property configuration, it will not automatically appear in your listing description. You'll need to update your property description yourself to ensure guests are fully informed.

Hosts are fully responsible for any cancellations made by platforms due to the presence of CCTV not explicitly displayed in the property configuration. Always prioritize transparency to maintain trust with your guests and comply with platform policies.